Optical Materials Scientist

Do you love to apply complex scientific concepts to real world applications?

Are you searching for meaningful work in optical materials science?

Are you hoping to join a dynamic and innovative team?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a motivated scientist or engineer to help us advance our capabilities in optical materials development and characterization. As a member of the Optical Properties section in the Optics and Photonics Group, your work will help inform decision makers in the defense community to help solve some of our nation's most critical challenges. You will participate in selection and development of novel material systems to field game changing optical systems in extreme environments. You will have opportunities to formally document work in sponsor briefings and reports, academic journals, and conference presentations. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who enjoy working hands-on in the lab and in the field. We are passionate about applying optical materials science to high-impact, next-generation applications in sensing, communications, and non-kinetic warfare. Our team is committed to fostering an inclusive atmosphere as we work across a diverse set of skillsets and backgrounds to solve complex challenges.

• Your primary responsibilities will be to determine technical courses of action to meet sponsor requirements, lead small teams in the execution of these pathways, and mentor junior staff to help develop world-class expertise.
• You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to translate materials design choices to system-level performance.
• You will seek to identify and characterize material solutions to overcome critical sponsor challenges.
• You will relate fundamental structure and processing relationships to performance for the design and fabrication of novel optical materials and optical fixturing.
• You will build prototype systems and conduct critical experiments in the lab and field to develop and validate system requirements.
• You will document efforts and deliver presentations to internal project teams and external sponsors.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a M.S. degree in material science, physics, optics, chemistry, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years-experience in the formulation, fabrication, and/or characterization of EO/IR materials and optical system assemblies OR a B.S. degree in a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience with EO/IR materials.
• Have fabricated, fielded, and analyzed material solutions to improve sensing capabilities and/or optical system performance
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Are willing to travel up to 10% of the time as needed.
• Are able to obtain a/an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have Ph.D. in materials science, optics, physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• Have 10+ years of experience in the formulation, fabrication, and/or characterization of EO/IR materials and optical system assemblies.
• Have demonstrated the ability to identify critical solutions to sponsor needs and developed projects/programs/plans in support of these needs
• Have field test experience and an interest in travel.
• Have interest and/or experience in fields related to optical materials science such as high energy lasers, applied spectroscopy, optical remote sensing, advanced photonics, optical system design, and optical communications.
• Have an active Top Secret or higher clearance.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.